Chart-topping Rebecca Lucy Taylor, better known by her stage name Self Esteem, was made an honorary Doctor of Music at the University of Sheffield on Monday 17 July 2023, in recognition of her success in the music industry and public championing of inclusivity and diversity.
She joined 11 other notable public figures being awarded honorary degrees alongside the latest cohort of graduating students.
Speaking to graduates, Rotherham- born Rebecca said that while her journey of self-belief is “never over”, she remained determined to find success in a career “where male music reigned supreme”.
“Every patio or patch of land was a stage to me – my nanny and grandad were adoring, Wembley-sized crowds,” she told graduates of her childhood, adding: “My pogo-stick was my microphone stand.”
The critically-acclaimed singer has taken the music industry by storm and acts as a proud ambassador for Sheffield, performing at Glastonbury 2022 in a Meadowhall inspired outfit, which was designed in Sheffield.
Rebecca champions inclusive and diverse communities in all the work she does and as a public educator works to address the rights and aspirations of women to achieve and be proud. Rebecca’s second album, Prioritise Pleasure, saw her nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Award and the album was also named best album of 2021 by both The Guardian and The Sunday Times. The anthemic single ‘I do this all the time’ was also the Guardian’s Song of the Year for 2021. A multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter and theatre composer, Rebecca also won the 2021 BBC Music Introducing award. She most recently composed the soundtrack to the West End production of Suzie Miller’s play Prima Facie, starring Jodie Comer.
Photo credit: Olivia Richardson
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Rebecca said: “I am insanely chuffed to be receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Sheffield. I love Sheffield with all my heart and to be acknowledged like this bolsters my dream of changing so much for people in music like me. I am overwhelmed, galvanised and energised! Also thrilled to finally get a cute pic of me in a cap and gown, not gonna lie.”
Professor Gill Valentine, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “Rebecca Lucy Taylor follows a long line of successful musicians who have continued to put Sheffield on the map. Her work to promote inclusive and diverse communities aligns with our values at the University, and we are pleased to welcome her into the wider University of Sheffield family.
View this post on Instagram
She continued: “We are incredibly proud to recognise the achievements of all our honorary graduates, who have contributed so much in their respective fields. We hope they will go on to be advocates and ambassadors for the University, as well as help inspire our students to success during the next stage of their lives.”
Rebecca Lucy Taylor was joined by 11 other honorary graduates, who will all be recognised throughout the week for their own unique contributions to Sheffield.
Celebrating the doctorate, Taylor wrote on Instagram: “Dr Taylor will see you now! Completely overwhelmed to have been given an honorary doctorate from @theuniversityofsheffield.”
